Friendly Reminder: Be Nice

If you've participated in any type of community race, you've run amongst tutus. They're everywhere. They're silly, they're festive, they mask imperfect butts and thighs. A little childish?  Sure. A bit stupid? Perhaps. But deserving of nationwide ridicule? Of course not. A good reason to mock someone who has cancer and runs a nonprofit? Hellllllllll no. 

If any of you read SELF magazine, you may want reconsider that subscription. SELF recently published a story on their "BS Meter" about the tutu trend, and they used a picture of Monika Allen wearing a tutu in the LA marathon. What SELF didn't learn until after publication was that the photo was taken while Allen was undergoing chemotherapy for brain cancer. 

SELF's facebook and twitter pages have been understandably flooded with people posting complaints and criticism. The editor has apologized, but it may be too little too late. Even if Allen didn't have cancer, SELF -- a magazine intended to empower women -- published a photo with no other purpose than to make fun of a woman who was currently running a marathon. 

Hating tutus is fine, but it doesn't matter. None of it matters. The runner next to me could be wearing a bikini, an animal costume, or a suit of armor and it wouldn't affect me one bit. We are all running our own race, literally and figuratively. 

Running a marathon is hard enough, and tearing another runner down won't make you any faster. Just be nice. 

JFDI

Some days running is pure joy. Today was not one of those days.

I'm waaaaaaaay behind schedule. Way behind. I'm scheduled to run a half marathon in two months, and prior to today I hadn't trained more than three miles. Motivation has been a huge problem this spring. I've still laced up and gone running several days each week, but I simply haven't wanted to run very far. 

Tip of the hat to Jolie Kerr for introducing me to my new life motto: JFDI. Just fucking do it. 

I ran five miles this morning. I didn't want to. I wanted to stay in bed and be warm warm and cozy. But I got up, I put on my shoes, and I just fucking did it. 

JFDI does not just apply to running. Many parts of life are unpleasant but necessary. No one likes flossing their teeth or paying bills or cleaning the bathroom, but they need to be done. Of course these things are uncomfortable and gross. That doesn't make them any less mandatory.

Signing up for a race is more than a one day commitment to cheering crowds and a medal. It's a commitment to the entire process, and I voluntarily signed on to do it.  I know it will be worth it in the end. Some days along the way will be difficult, but dwelling on the hard times won't get me any closer to the finish line. I just need to shake it off and do the work. 

Quit stalling, quit complaining, and JFDI.